What should you not move long distance?

Moving long-distance can have its own set of challenges and stresses. While it may seem scary, it doesn't have to be at all. Here are some tips and tricks to make your long-distance move easier.

Long-Distance Move Tips

Here are some tips for your long-distance move:

• When you know you’re moving, make a plan
  • Long-distance moves are intimidating, so the more you can prepare, the better off you will be.
  • You can write down every task that needs to get done, what things you need to buy, what supplies you already have, dates, anything and everything, make sure to write it down so you can make sure it’s on paper and out of your head.
  • This helps with stress as well as with getting things done.
• If you’re hiring movers, get multiple estimates
  • Since moving long-distance can get expensive, make sure you get several (at least three) moving company quotes.
  • The earlier you can schedule these estimates, the better.
  • When deciding on a moving company, choose one that is reputable with a decent price. You don’t necessarily want to go with the cheapest quote if you aren’t sure about the reputation of the company.
  • You can Google the company or look at company reviews on Movers.com.
• Get moving insurance
  • Moving insurance insures your items whether they’re in storage or moving on the truck. While the moving company probably offers their own insurance, getting another policy could cover expensive items.
• Update mailing address
  • As the time to move draws closer, you will want to do a Change of Address with the U.S. Postal Service.
  • You can easily do this on USPS’ website, or if you enjoy waiting in long lines you can also do it in one of the many post offices around the country.

Long-Distance Move Packing Tips

Here are some packing tips:

Get moving supplies

Once you find out you will be moving you can start stocking up on moving supplies. What you’ll need are:

• Boxes - we recommend using kits that moving places like U-Haul sell. These typically are cheaper and you get the correct amount of boxes
• Packing tape
• Packing paper
• Markers
• Stretch wrap
• Bubble wrap

Items to leave behind

When you move, you don’t want to necessarily pack all belongings and move them from point A to point B. Undoubtedly you have clutter, items no longer in use, or things that can be easier replaced than moved. Let’s go over those items:

• Clothes – before you pack away all your clothes, pull out the items you no longer wear or don’t fit anymore. These can be either donated or sold
• Extra papers – If you have extra papers lying around, like old mail or whatever, they don’t necessarily need to move with you. If it’s important scan it into your computer then shred it. This cuts down on weight considerably and makes for an easier move.
• Bulky items – If you have extra items like DVD’s, unused desktop computers, or even extra TV’s, look into selling or donating those items if they are not being used.
• De-clutter – Before packing anything, it is important to de-clutter your home room by room so you don’t end up bringing trash or unimportant items with you.
• Furniture – if you have old furniture that you either don’t think we survive the move, or that you don’t think will look good at your new place, then donate or sell it. Furniture is bulky and heavy, so if it isn’t necessarily something you are sold on then leave it behind.
• Household items – when you look around your home, look at what items have dust on them. Whatever is collecting dust can be sold or donated.
• Cars – if you have an extra vehicle that you don’t need (or won’t need), sell it. Transporting another vehicle is costly and insurance can get pricey on two vehicles. Cutting down to one vehicle is cost efficient and makes for an easier move.

Long-Distance Moves

Overall, while long-distance moves seem stressful, they don’t have to be. By making sure you have the supplies necessary and take things in an orderly fashion, moving long-distance can be something that is handled well.